Hearing configuration in children with cCMV infection and proposal of a flow chart for hearing evaluation

Extended-hearing targeted screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection

BACKGROUND

The importance of neonatal screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is widely shared in the world scientific literature. However, currently, no programs for universal neonatal screening for cCMV have been reported in the literature, and only a few experiences of hearing targeted cCMV screening have been published. In the Tuscany Region, Italy, screening for cCMV has been mandatory since 2008 for each newborn that resulted as "refer" at the Transient Evoked Otoacoustics Emissions (TEOAE) Test, and in our university hospital since 2012, it has been extended to some categories at risk of cCMV.

METHODS

We present the results of the protocol for cCMV screening adopted at our Institution since 2012. From 2012 to 2017, 1615 newborns underwent cCMV screening. Twenty-five cases were positive for cCMV, (1.54% of all the newborn screened for cCMV and 0.19% of infants submitted to newborn hearing screening).

RESULTS

Nineteen of the children (76%) had normal hearing, while 6 (24%) had a hearing deficit of variable degree. 2/25 (8%) cases presented a progression of the hearing deficit in the first months of life and no children had a late onset or fluctuating hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show how cCMV screening in newborns that resulted "refer" at TEOAE allows the detection of many cases; but many are still missed. It would be, therefore, important to adopt a universal newborn cCMV screening program or a program extended to newborns at higher risk.

Audiological and Vestibular Follow-Up for Children with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: From Current Limitations to Future Directions

Currently, the guidelines for audiological and vestibular follow-up in children with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) are not well-defined. The general recommendation is to evaluate hearing in all children with congenital CMV at the same intervals: once every 3-6 months up to 1 year of age, once every 6 months from 1 to 3 years of age, and once a year from 3 to 6 years of age. Additionally, there are no universally accepted protocols for the vestibular follow-up of children with congenital CMV, although video head impulse test (v-HIT) and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) are sometimes used. This narrative review critically evaluates existing audiological and vestibular follow-up approaches for children with congenital CMV, highlighting the need for personalized protocols. Tailoring follow-up schedules with different timing and methods based on risk factors, such as the trimester of maternal infection, CMV PCR results in amniotic fluid, and valganciclovir use, would indeed allow for more precise evaluations, timely interventions, and optimized resource allocation. This strategy would also alleviate the logistical and emotional burdens on families by ensuring that high-risk children receive more frequent and appropriate assessments and early interventions, while lower-risk children avoid unnecessary testing.

Long-term outcomes of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in children early identified by extended hearing-targeted screening

OBJECTIVES

Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has been associated with hearing, vision, and neurodevelopmental long-term sequelae. Despite the social burden associated with the disease, a universally accepted consensus on screening, diagnostic, therapeutic and follow-up approaches has not been reached. The present observational retrospective study aims at describing long-term sequelae and radiological abnormalities associated with cCMV in children early identified by extended hearing-targeted screening and evaluated by audiological follow-up in a single III Level Audiological Referral Center for at least 2 years.

METHODS

Audiological neonatal and follow-up data were available for all subjects. Data collection included clinical neonatal and virological assessment at birth. Ophthalmological, neurodevelopmental and neuroradiological follow-up abnormalities compatible with cCMV sequelae were collected by clinical reports. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho-ρ) was used to evaluate possible correlations among the considered parameters.

RESULTS

61 newborns were identified by extended hearing-targeted cCMV screening and diagnosed mostly (83.6 %) by PCR viral DNA extraction in urine collected within the 15° day of life. Seventeen babies were born preterm, with a mean gestational age of 33.5 weeks. Sixteen patients (26.2 %) were admitted to an Intensive or sub-Intensive Neonatal Care Unit. At birth, 35 newborns were symptomatic (57.3 %), and 19 of them received antiviral treatment by valganciclovir or ganciclovir. Overall, 20 children (32.7 %) were diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), among them 17 (85 %) were refer at the newborn hearing screening while 3 (15 %) were Pass. 5/20 children (25 %) presented isolated SNHL, while in 15/20 (75 %) children SNHL was associated to other long-term sequelae. In 5 patients (25 %) a progression of the hearing threshold was observed, with a mean age of progression of 26 months of age. Risk factors for progression were a worse final hearing threshold (Spearman's ρ = 0.434; p = 0.0001) and a worse hearing threshold at birth (Spearman's ρ = 0.298; p = 0.020). Thirteen children were fitted with hearing aids, 8 of whom subsequently underwent cochlear implantation. Concerning long term impairments, 10/61 children (17 %) presented a variety of ophthalmological sequelae, while 16/40 cCMV patients (40 %) were diagnosed with neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Language delays were significantly associated with a worse hearing threshold (ρ = 0.582; p = 0.0001) and with other neurocognitive abnormalities (ρ = 0.677, p = 0.0001). 30 children underwent radiological brain evaluation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and 63.3 % of them presented abnormalities compatible with cCMV. Mean viral load at birth did not show significant associations with long-term sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the diverse and significant long-term sequelae of cCMV infection detected through early screening. With a significant proportion of cCMV children developing sensorineural hearing loss, ophthalmological and neurodevelopmental issues, the results emphasize the importance of continuous, multidisciplinary follow-up. Early identification and tailored interventions are crucial for improving the long-term health and quality of life of children affected by cCMV.

Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy is a global silent problem. Additionally, it is the leading cause of congenital infections, non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss, and neurodevelopmental delays in infants. However, this has barely been recognized globally. This condition lacks adequate attention, which is further emphasized by the lack of awareness among healthcare workers and the general population. The impact of CMV infection is often overlooked because of the asymptomatic nature of its presentation in infected pregnant women and newborns, difficulty in diagnosis, and the perception that infants born to women with pre-existing antibodies against CMV have normal neonatal outcomes. This article highlights the latest information on the epidemiology, transmission, clinical manifestations, and development of CMV infection and its management. We reviewed the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of CMV infection in pregnant women, diagnostic methods, including screening and prognostic markers, and updates in treatment modalities. Current advancements in research on vaccination and hyperimmunoglobulins with worldwide treatment protocols are highlighted.

Analysis of sensorineural hearing loss in patients attending an otolaryngology clinic in North Central Nigeria

Hearing loss is the third leading cause of years lived with disability. Approximately 1.4 billion people have hearing loss, of which 80% reside in low- and middle-income countries with limited audiology and otolaryngology care available to them. The objective of this study was to estimate period prevalence of hearing loss and audiogram patterns of patients attending an otolaryngology clinic in North Central Nigeria. A 10-year retrospective cohort study was carried out analyzing 1507 patient records of pure tone audiograms of patients at the otolaryngology clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria. Prevalence of hearing loss of moderate or higher grade increased significantly and steadily after age 60. Compared to other studies, there was a higher prevalence of overall sensorineural hearing loss (24-28% in our study compared to 1.7-8.4% globally) and higher proportions of the flat audiogram configuration among the younger age patients (40% in younger patients compared to 20% in patients older than 60 years). The higher prevalence of the flat audiogram configuration compared to other parts of the world may be suggestive of an etiology specific to this region, such as the endemic Lassa Fever and Lassa virus infection in addition to cytomegalovirus or other viral infections associated with hearing loss.

Late-onset and congenital hearing loss detected using AABR due to congenital cytomegalovirus infection that improved with valganciclovir

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common congenital viral infection and is the leading non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss and an important cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Auto auditory brainstem response (AABR) is a simple hearing test and used for the purpose of neonatal hearing screening, but can use it for early detection hard of hearing within the study age of the model. We experienced two case of asymptomatic CMV infection in which congenital and late-onset hearing loss were diagnosed early with AABR, and hearing loss improved with valganciclovir.

Perinatal Cytomegalovirus Infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There have been recent advances in the field of congenital CMV infection (cCMV) related to antiviral treatment of pregnant women and infants, the implementation of newborn CMV screening programs, and the frequency and diagnosis of complications among infected children. In addition, postnatal CMV infection (pCMV) is increasingly recognized as a potential cause of long-term sequelae in addition to acute complications among preterm infants, raising important questions related to treatment, and prevention.

RECENT FINDINGS

High-dose valacyclovir appears to be safe and effective for the prevention of cCMV among women with first-trimester primary CMV infection. New studies reveal high rates of vestibular dysfunction and neuropsychiatric manifestations among children with cCMV. Some studies report associations between pCMV and long-term consequences, including neurodevelopmental delay and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, among very low birth weight infants, in addition to high risk of sepsis and death acutely, which has motivated efforts to eliminate the virus from breast milk by different methods.

SUMMARY

More long-term complications of cCMV are increasingly recognized among children previously thought to be asymptomatic. Although a preventive CMV vaccine may be achievable, strategies to reduce the burden of cCMV disease include maternal education about risk-reduction behaviors, antiviral treatment of pregnant women with primary infection, and newborn screening to allow timely, appropriate care. Similarly, although it remains unclear if pCMV causes long-term problems, there is growing interest in identifying and preventing disease from CMV infections among preterm infants.

Change to Hearing Loss-Related Risks and Screening in Preterm Infants

Hearing loss is one of the most common congenital defects in infancy; it increases speech and language delays and adversely affects academic achievement and socialemotional development. The risk of hearing loss in premature infants is higher than that in normal newborns, and because of the fragility of the auditory nervous system, it is more vulnerable to different risk factors. The hearing screening guidelines in current use were proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and updated in 2007, but there are no uniform guidelines for hearing screening in preterm infants. This review focuses on the risk factors related to hearing loss in premature infants, hearing screening strategies, and reasons for failure. The aim is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of hearing development in preterm infants to achieve early detection and early intervention. At the same time, attention should be paid to delayed auditory maturation in preterm infants to avoid excessive intervention. KEY POINTS: · Hearing loss is very common in infancy, especially in premature infants.. · Genetic factors, infection, hyperbilirubinemia, drugs, and noise are the main causes.. · We should pay attention to the delayed hearing maturity of premature infants and avoid excessive intervention..

Critérios para a classificação do grau da perda auditiva e proteção social de pessoas com essa deficiência

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar critérios adotados nacional e internacionalmente para classificação do grau da perda auditiva, compará-los com o estabelecido na legislação brasileira e discutir as possíveis consequências dessa legislação para a proteção social de Pessoas com Deficiência (PcD) auditiva. Métodos: realizou-se uma revisão narrativa para a identificação dos critérios utilizados nessa classificação. A busca foi realizada em abril de 2020, a partir das plataformas BVS e PUBMED. Foram incluídos estudos publicados entre 2015 e 2019, em inglês, espanhol e português, sobre pesquisas primárias realizadas com seres humanos e menção explícita aos critérios utilizados para a classificação do grau da perda auditiva. Revisão da Literatura: observou-se que há uma predileção pela média entre as frequências de 0,5, 1, 2 e 4 kHz. A legislação brasileira não segue esse critério, o que pode ser uma barreira para o acesso das PcD auditiva aos programas de proteção social. Considerações Finais: não há consenso sobre qual é o melhor critério, todavia há predominância de utilização do considerado mais abrangente para a avaliação auditiva, que não é o legalmente adotado no Brasil. É necessário um debate sobre o critério legal brasileiro, a fim de promover os direitos sociais instituídos para parte das PcD auditiva no Brasil.

Criteria to classify degrees of hearing loss and the social protection of people with this disability

ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify criteria used nationally and internationally to classify degrees of hearing loss, compare them with what is established in the Brazilian law, and discuss possible consequences of such a law on the social protection of people with hearing loss. Methods: a narrative review was conducted to identify the criteria used in this classification, by searching the platforms VHL and PubMed in April 2020. It included primary human research explicitly mentioning the criteria used to classify the degree of hearing loss, published between 2015 and 2019 in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Literature Review: there is a preference for the four-frequency mean at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. The Brazilian law does not follow these criteria, which may pose a barrier to people with hearing loss, hindering their access to social protection programs. Final Considerations: there is no consensus on the best criteria, although the most encompassing ones in hearing assessment predominate - which are not the ones legally used in Brazil. It is necessary to debate the Brazilian legal criteria to ensure existing social rights to part of people with hearing loss in Brazil.

Cytomegalovirus-A Risk Factor for Childhood Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Permanent hearing loss is an important public health issue in children with consequences for language, social, and academic functioning. Early hearing detection, intervention, and monitoring are important in mitigating the impact of permanent childhood hearing loss. Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a leading cause of hearing loss. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the evidence on the association between CMV infection and permanent childhood hearing loss.

DESIGN

We performed a systematic review and examined scientific literature from the following databases: MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily and Ovid MEDLINE(R), Embase, and CINAHL. The primary outcome was permanent bilateral or unilateral hearing loss with congenital onset or onset during childhood (birth to 18 years). The secondary outcome was progressive hearing loss. We included studies reporting data on CMV infection. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, nonrandomized comparative and noncomparative studies, and case series were considered. Data were extracted and the quality of individual studies was assessed with the Qualitative Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (McMaster University). The quality and strength of the evidence were graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). A narrative synthesis was completed.

RESULTS

Sixty-five articles were included in the review. Prevalence of hearing loss at birth was over 33% among symptomatic CMV-infected newborns and less than 15% in asymptomatic infections. This difference in prevalence was maintained during childhood with more than 40% prevalence reported for symptomatic and less than 30% for asymptomatic CMV. Late-onset and progressive hearing loss appear to be characteristic of congenital CMV infections. Definitions of hearing loss, degree of loss, and reporting of laterality varied across studies. All degrees and both bilateral and unilateral loss were reported, regardless of symptomatic and asymptomatic status at birth, and no conclusions about the characteristics of hearing loss could be drawn. Various patterns of hearing loss were reported including stable, progressive, and fluctuating, and improvement in hearing (sometimes to normal hearing) was documented. These changes were reported in children with symptomatic/asymptomatic congenital CMV infection, presenting with congenital/early onset/late-onset hearing loss and in children treated and untreated with antiviral medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic and asymptomatic congenital CMV infection should be considered a risk factor for hearing loss at birth and during childhood and for progressive hearing loss. Therefore, CMV should be included as a risk factor in screening and surveillance programs and be taken into account in clinical follow-up of children with hearing loss.

Early Identification and Management of Congenital Cytomegalovirus

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common nongenetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Despite its prevalence, universal screening for cCMV is not currently performed. Hearing loss caused by cCMV is most often severe to profound, often bilateral, and may be fluctuating or progressive. Infants with hearing loss at birth and confirmed cCMV might benefit from antiviral therapy. Roughly half of hearing loss cases owing to cCMV are delayed in onset, and consequently, these children pass newborn hearing screening. Children with cCMV require close audiologic monitoring, require appropriate management with hearing aids, and should be monitored for cochlear implant candidacy.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Epidemiology, Timely Diagnosis, and Management

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is common because of the ubiquitous nature of the virus and the lack of an effective prevention strategy during pregnancy. Most infants with cCMV are asymptomatic, although a notable subset can have sequelae including, most commonly, sensorineural hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disability, which may not be present at birth. Timely screening for cytomegalovirus in the first weeks after birth is critical to appropriately diagnose congenital infection, evaluate affected infants, and determine the treatment course. Antiviral therapy with valganciclovir can optimize end hearing and neurodevelopmental outcomes in symptomatic infants. This review discusses the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of cCMV, targeted and universal screening approaches, and treatment and monitoring of infants with cCMV.

Advocating for cytomegalovirus maternal serologic screening in the first trimester of pregnancy: if you do not know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is an important health problem for the individual and the community. Although it could derive from both primary and nonprimary maternal infection, the prospective risk of congenital infection in seronegative pregnant women is 4 times than that of immune women. Maternal serology is the only reliable screening tool in pregnancy that would identify up to 50% of all congenital cytomegalovirus infections, by yielding positive immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G and low immunoglobulin G avidity in approximately 0.5% of the population at 11 to 14 weeks. The exceptionally high risk for young parous seronegative women planning a second pregnancy makes a compelling case for offering serologic screening as soon as pregnancy is planned or diagnosed and by the end of the first trimester. The 11- to 14-week consultation has become an unmissable one worldwide and would represent the most practical compromise if only 1 sample can be taken. Valaciclovir that can be safely used in the early fetal period decreases vertical transmission by 70% and should be implemented as early as possible after maternal infection. Facilities for diagnosis and treatment are available in high- and middle-income countries through laboratory and fetal medicine networks. Amniocentesis with amplification of the viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction in the amniotic fluid is a reliable diagnostic test but chorionic villi sampled by chorionic villus sampling could achieve the same performance 2 months earlier. Fetal imaging of a known infected fetus yields a negative predictive value on symptoms at birth and congenital handicap of between 95% and 99%, and prenatal treatment of infected fetuses decreases the occurrence of symptoms at birth and at 2 years of age.

Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy: state of the science

Cytomegalovirus is the most common congenital infection, affecting 0.5-2% of all live births and the main nongenetic cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss and neurological damage. Congenital cytomegalovirus can follow maternal primary infection or nonprimary infection. Sensorineurological morbidity is confined to the first trimester with up to 40-50% of infected neonates developing sequelae after first-trimester primary infection. Serological testing before 14 weeks is critical to identify primary infection within 3 months around conception but is not informative in women already immune before pregnancy. In Europe and the United States, primary infection in the first trimester are mainly seen in young parous women with a previous child younger than 3 years. Congenital cytomegalovirus should be evoked on prenatal ultrasound when the fetus is small for gestation and shows echogenic bowel, effusions, or any cerebral anomaly. Although the sensitivity of routine ultrasound in predicting neonatal symptoms is around 25%, serial targeted ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of known infected fetuses show greater than 95% sensitivity for brain anomalies. Fetal diagnosis is done by amniocentesis from 17 weeks. Prevention consists of both parents avoiding contact with body fluids from infected individuals, especially toddlers, from before conception until 14 weeks. Candidate vaccines failed to provide more than 75% protection for >2 years in preventing cytomegalovirus infection. Medical therapies such as cytomegalovirus hyperimmune globulins aim to reduce the risk of vertical transmission but 2 randomized controlled trials have not found any benefit. Valaciclovir given from the diagnosis of primary infection up to amniocentesis decreased vertical transmission rates from 29.8% to 11.1% in the treatment group in a randomized controlled trial of 90 pregnant women. In a phase II open-label trial, oral valaciclovir (8 g/d) given to pregnant women with a mildly symptomatic fetus was associated with a higher chance of delivering an asymptomatic neonate (82%), compared with an untreated historical cohort (43%). Valganciclovir given to symptomatic neonates is likely to improve hearing and neurological symptoms, the extent of which and the duration of treatment are still debated. In conclusion, congenital cytomegalovirus infection is a public health challenge. In view of recent knowledge on diagnosis and pre- and postnatal management, health care providers should reevaluate screening programs in early pregnancy and at birth.

Contribution of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection to Permanent Hearing Loss in a Highly Seropositive Population: The Brazilian Cytomegalovirus Hearing and Maternal Secondary Infection Study

BACKGROUND

The exact contribution of congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMVI) to permanent hearing loss (HL) in highly seropositive populations is unknown. We determined the contribution of cCMVI to HL and estimated the effectiveness of newborn hearing screening (HS) in identifying neonates with CMV-related HL.

METHODS

A total of 11 900 neonates born from a population with ≥97% maternal seroprevalence were screened for cCMVI and HL. cCMVI was confirmed by detection of CMV-DNA in saliva and urine at age <3 weeks.

RESULTS

Overall, 68 (0.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-0.7) neonates were identified with cCMVI. Of the 91 (0.8%) newborns who failed the HS, 24 (26.4%) were confirmed with HL, including 7 (29.2%; 95% CI, 17.2-59.3) with cCMVI. Another newborn with cCMVI passed the HS but was confirmed with HL at age 21 days. Of the 62 neonates with cCMVI who underwent a complete hearing evaluation, 8 (12.9%; 95% CI, 6.7-23.4) had HL and most (7/8; 87.5%; 95% CI, 46.6-99.7) were identified by HS. The rate of CMV-related HL was 8 per 11 887 neonates (0.7 per 1000 live births). The prevalence ratio of HL among neonates with cCMVI compared to CMV-uninfected neonates was 89.5 (95% CI, 39.7-202.0). No late-onset cCMVI-related HL was detected during a median follow-up of 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

cCMVI is an important cause of HL in childhood in all settings. Integrating targeted cCMVI screening among neonates who fail a HS could be a reasonable, cost-effective strategy to identify newborns with early-onset cCMVI-related HL.

Isolated auditory neuropathy at birth in congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Background

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most frequent non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing-loss (SNHL) (i.e., hearing loss due to a cochlear and/or auditory nerve damage). It is widely accepted that SNHL at birth, when associated to cCMV symptomatic infection involving the central nervous system, benefits from antiviral therapy started in the neonatal period. Conversely, there is no consensus for antiviral treatment in congenitally infected infants diagnosed with isolated SNHL (i.e., SNHL in an otherwise asymptomatic infant) at birth.

Our aim was to assess the frequency and the auditory outcome of isolated SNHL at birth due to auditory neuropathy (AN) (i.e., SNHL in a patient with normal cochlear function and auditory nerve dysfunction) in infants with cCMV infection.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical history of 60 infants, born at term, with cCMV asymptomatic infection, without additional risk factors for SNHL, and exhibiting bilateral “pass” otoacustic emissions (OAE). None of them underwent antiviral therapy.

Hearing thresholds were assessed by means of Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR). AN affected children were followed up until possible normalization of the hearing thresholds or definitive diagnosis of AN. Each infant diagnosed with monolateral or bilateral AN was classified according to the worst ear threshold.

Results

In our population, the first ABR was performed at a mean age of 5.00 ± 2.79 (SD) months and AN was diagnosed in 16/60 (26.67%) infants; in 4 infants the AN was defined as mild (4/4 monolateral), moderate in 11 (5/11 bilateral), and severe in 1 (bilateral). The mean age at first ABR was 3.69 ± 2.80 (SD) months in the 16 babies with AN and 5.48 ± 2.66 (SD) months in the 44 infants with normal hearing (p = 0.007). All AN cases spontaneously recovered a normal auditory threshold over time. The mean length of the audiological follow-up was 32.44 ± 17.58 (SD) months (range 5–60 months).

Conclusion

A delayed maturation of the auditory pathways should be considered when a mild/moderate isolated AN at birth is detected in cCMV infected infants. Prospective studies conducted on larger populations, and with a longer audiological follow-up, are needed to confirm our findings.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Narrative Review of the Issues in Screening and Management From a Panel of European Experts

Maternal primary and non-primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy can result in in utero transmission to the developing fetus. Congenital CMV (cCMV) can result in significant morbidity, mortality or long-term sequelae, including sensorineural hearing loss, the most common sequela. As a leading cause of congenital infections worldwide, cCMV infection meets many of the criteria for screening. However, currently there are no universal programs that offer maternal or neonatal screening to identify infected mothers and infants, no vaccines to prevent infection, and no efficacious and safe therapies available for the treatment of maternal or fetal CMV infection. Data has shown that there are several maternal and neonatal screening strategies, and diagnostic methodologies, that allow the identification of those at risk of developing sequelae and adequately detect cCMV. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered in this field. Well-designed clinical trials to address several facets of CMV treatment (in pregnant women, CMV-infected fetuses and both symptomatic and asymptomatic neonates and children) are required. Prevention (vaccines), biology and transmission factors associated with non-primary CMV, and the cost-effectiveness of universal screening, all demand further exploration to fully realize the ultimate goal of preventing cCMV. In the meantime, prevention of primary infection during pregnancy should be championed to all by means of hygiene education.

Hearing Loss With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we determined the prevalence of hearing loss in 157 children with proven congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection. We looked at possible risk determinants for developing hearing loss and proposed recommendations for screening and follow-up in the newborn.

METHODS

In a prospective 22-year study, 157 children with proven cCMV infection were evaluated for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The development of SNHL was correlated with the type of maternal infection (primary versus nonprimary), the gestational age of maternal primary infection, imaging findings at birth, and the presence of symptomatic or asymptomatic infection in the newborn.

RESULTS

Of all children, 12.7% had SNHL, and 5.7% needed hearing amplification because of SNHL. Improvement, progression, and fluctuations of hearing thresholds were seen in 45%, 53.8%, and 5.7% of the children, respectively. Hearing loss was more common in the case of a symptomatic infection at birth (P = .017), after a maternal primary infection in the first trimester of pregnancy (P = .029), and in the presence of abnormalities on a neonatal brain ultrasound and/or MRI (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

SNHL is a common sequela in children with cCMV infection. Risk factors for SNHL were primary maternal infections before the 14th week of pregnancy, the presence of a disseminated infection at birth, and imaging abnormalities in the newborn. These children may benefit from a more thorough investigation for SNHL than children who do not present with those risk factors.

Evaluation and management of cytomegalovirus-associated congenital hearing loss

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current article reviews the current literature related to congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV)-related hearing loss. The discussion will focus on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of human CMV infection as it pertains to hearing loss. Current methods of CMV diagnosis with a focus on the evolving trend toward broader neonatal screening protocols will also be explored. Discussion of medical, surgical, and audiologic management of the condition will also be addressed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Much of the current research on this topic is focused on improving detection of CMV through screening programs. Some advances in understanding cochlear pathogenesis have also been made.

SUMMARY

Congenital CMV infection remains an important cause of hearing loss in infants and children. Early detection of CMV infection can broaden treatment options and allow for improved hearing and language outcome for patients with CMV-associated sensorineural hearing loss.

Analysis of archived newborn dried blood spots (DBS) identifies congenital cytomegalovirus as a major cause of unexplained pediatric sensorineural hearing loss

PURPOSE

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, accurate diagnosis of cCMV as the etiology of SNHL is problematic beyond the neonatal period. This study therefore examined whether cCMV infection could be identified retrospectively in children presenting with unexplained SNHL to a multidisciplinary diagnostic outpatient otolaryngology clinic at an academic medical center in Minnesota.

METHODS

Over a 4-year period, 57 patients with an age range of 3months to 10years with unexplained SNHL were recruited to participate in this study. Informed consent was obtained to test the archived dried blood spots (DBS) of these patients for cCMV infection by real-time PCR, targeting a highly conserved region of the CMV UL83 gene. Results were normalized to recovery of an NRAS gene control. Chart review was conducted to identify subjects who underwent genetic testing and/or neurodiagnostic imaging to investigate possible genetic, syndromic, or anatomical causes of SNHL.

RESULTS

In total, 15 of the 57 children with unexplained SNHL tested positive for CMV DNA in their DBS (26%). A mean viral load of 8.3×10⁴ (±4.1×10⁴) [range, 1×10³-6×10⁵] copies/μg DNA was observed in subjects retrospectively diagnosed with cCMV. No statistically significant correlation was found between viral load and SNHL severity.

CONCLUSIONS

A retrospective DBS analysis demonstrated that 26% of patients presenting with unexplained SNHL in childhood had cCMV. DBS testing is useful in the retrospective diagnosis of cCMV, and may provide definitive diagnostic information about the etiology of SNHL.

Primary maternal cytomegalovirus infections: accuracy of fetal ultrasound for predicting sequelae in offspring

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus infection is the most common perinatal viral infection that can lead to severe long-term medical conditions. Antenatal identification of maternal cytomegalovirus infections with proven fetal transmission and potential postnatal clinical sequelae remains a major challenge in perinatology. There is a need to improve the prenatal counseling offered to patients and guide future clinical management decisions in cases of proven primary cytomegalovirus infection.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the accuracy of fetal ultrasound for predicting sequelae in fetuses infected with congenital cytomegalovirus after maternal primary infection.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a prospective observational study from 1996 through 2012 in pregnant women with serological evidence of primary cytomegalovirus infection and proven vertical transmission to the fetus, based on viral load in the amniotic fluid. Fetal ultrasound was performed in all patients. Pregnancy termination was presented as an option for infected fetuses. Hearing and neurological clinical assessments were performed for all neonates with cytomegalovirus-positive urine samples.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients (69 fetuses) with proven vertical transmission were included in this study, including 64 singleton and 3 twin pregnancies. Eight fetuses were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 61 fetuses, termination of the pregnancy was performed for 26, including 11 with fetal ultrasound anomalies. Autopsy provided histological evidence of fetal cytomegalovirus infection in all cases. In the 15 terminated fetuses without ultrasound anomalies, histological evidence of damage caused by fetal infection was detected in 13 cases. Among the 35 live-born infants, 12 had fetal ultrasound anomalies suggestive of congenital infection. Of these 12 infants, 6 had normal clinical evaluations, whereas 6 presented with either hearing and/or neurological anomalies, classified as severe in 4 cases. Among the 23 live-born infants with normal prenatal ultrasound, 5 developed hearing impairments and 1 showed mild neurological developmental delay.

CONCLUSION

Fetal ultrasound anomalies were detected in 37.7% of pregnant women with primary cytomegalovirus infection acquired in early pregnancy and proven fetal infection, and were confirmed by autopsy or postnatal clinical evaluation in 73.9%. Autopsy or postnatal clinical evaluation also detected cytomegalovirus-related anomalies in 55% of infants with normal fetal ultrasound evaluations.